Breast CancerBreast Cancer

What is breast cancer?What is breast cancer?• Breast cancer is where Breast cancer is where

cancerous (malignant) cells are cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the breast tissue.found in the breast tissue.

• There are several types of There are several types of breast cancer.breast cancer.

• Ductal cancer (effects the ducts Ductal cancer (effects the ducts and also is the most common and also is the most common type)type)

• Lobular (which begins in the Lobular (which begins in the lobes of the breast and often is lobes of the breast and often is found in both breasts)found in both breasts)

• Inflammatory cancer (its where Inflammatory cancer (its where the breast appears swollen and the breast appears swollen and hot) its also very uncommon.hot) its also very uncommon.

• Picture from WebMD.comPicture from WebMD.com

MammogramsMammograms• Getting a mammogram is an Getting a mammogram is an

effective way to detect breast effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages.cancer in its early stages.

• It is recommended by the It is recommended by the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY that all women over 40 get a that all women over 40 get a yearly mammogram. yearly mammogram.

• Its also recommended that Its also recommended that women over 20 should get a women over 20 should get a mammogram every 2-5 years mammogram every 2-5 years depending on your risk.depending on your risk.

• (picture courtesy of breast cancer.org)(picture courtesy of breast cancer.org)

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Monthly Self ExamsMonthly Self Exams• Its important to remember Its important to remember

that monthly self exams are that monthly self exams are also a good tool for early also a good tool for early detection.detection.

• Hereis a web site that has Hereis a web site that has the complete monthly self-the complete monthly self-exam program @exam program @

.cyberus.ca/bse2.htm#bse2.cyberus.ca/bse2.htm#bse2 http://www.infobreastcancerhttp://www.infobreastcancer

Picture courtesy of Yahoo healthPicture courtesy of Yahoo health

ThermographThermograph

• Thermograph is one of the Thermograph is one of the newest ways to detect newest ways to detect breast cancer.breast cancer.

• Thermograph is a thermal Thermograph is a thermal image of the breast tissue.image of the breast tissue.

• It can also detect cancer It can also detect cancer before the traditional before the traditional mammogram can.mammogram can.

• www.breastthermography.cwww.breastthermography.comom

• Picture from breastthermography.comPicture from breastthermography.com

Stages of breast cancerStages of breast cancer

• The first stage is stage 0 this stage is sometimes The first stage is stage 0 this stage is sometimes referred to as a ‘non-evasive circoma’referred to as a ‘non-evasive circoma’

• In this stage there are abnormal cells present that In this stage there are abnormal cells present that might suggest that one is at higher risk for cancer.might suggest that one is at higher risk for cancer.

• Some women chose to have a double mastectomy to Some women chose to have a double mastectomy to avoid the potential of cancer, while others take avoid the potential of cancer, while others take tomoxifen.tomoxifen.

• Either way its important to have regular check ups Either way its important to have regular check ups with your doctor.with your doctor.

Stages of breast cancerStages of breast cancer• Stage IStage I• This stage is where the tumor is less than 1 cm across, and has not This stage is where the tumor is less than 1 cm across, and has not

spread into the surrounding areas.spread into the surrounding areas.• Stage IIStage II• Stage II is when the cancer is anywhere from 1-2 cm across, and has Stage II is when the cancer is anywhere from 1-2 cm across, and has

spread into the surrounding areas including the lymph nodes (which spread into the surrounding areas including the lymph nodes (which must also be removed to prevent the further spread of the cancer)must also be removed to prevent the further spread of the cancer)

• Stage IIIStage III• This is the stage for cancer in the advanced stages. Its more than 2 cm This is the stage for cancer in the advanced stages. Its more than 2 cm

across and has spread to the lymph nodes.across and has spread to the lymph nodes.• A type of cancer most associated with this is called inflammatory A type of cancer most associated with this is called inflammatory

breast cancer, because the breast is inflamed because the cancer is breast cancer, because the breast is inflamed because the cancer is blocking the lymph nodes. blocking the lymph nodes.

Stages of breast cancerStages of breast cancer

• The last stage of cancer is stage IV.The last stage of cancer is stage IV.

• In stage IV, the cancer has spread past the breast and the In stage IV, the cancer has spread past the breast and the lymph nodes and needs immediate treatment of chemotherapy lymph nodes and needs immediate treatment of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy to keep it under control.and hormonal therapy to keep it under control.

• Then there is remission. If you are in remission you have an Then there is remission. If you are in remission you have an extremely high risk of reoccurrence with in the first 5 years extremely high risk of reoccurrence with in the first 5 years after the last know cancer is killed.after the last know cancer is killed.

TreatmentsTreatments• One of the most widely used treatments is radiation therapy. One of the most widely used treatments is radiation therapy. • Radiation therapy is targeted directly to the specific area and the side Radiation therapy is targeted directly to the specific area and the side

effects are limited to the area being treated.effects are limited to the area being treated.• Radiation works by killing all the cells in the effected area. Radiation works by killing all the cells in the effected area. • There are two types of radiation, one is administered externally and There are two types of radiation, one is administered externally and

one internally.one internally.• External radiation is delivered over a 5-7 weeks and 5 times a week. It External radiation is delivered over a 5-7 weeks and 5 times a week. It

is delivered by an liner acceptor. And is the most common of the two.is delivered by an liner acceptor. And is the most common of the two.• Internal radiation is where radioactive material is delivered directly Internal radiation is where radioactive material is delivered directly

into the site where the tumor was.into the site where the tumor was.• This is usually done at the end of traditional radiation to give it an extra This is usually done at the end of traditional radiation to give it an extra

“boost” at the end of treatment.“boost” at the end of treatment.

Radiation top 10Radiation top 10• Radiation kills the cancer cells left after surgery.Radiation kills the cancer cells left after surgery.• Radiation therapy doesn't make you radio active.Radiation therapy doesn't make you radio active.• Radiation is painless when it’s delivered, but it will become more Radiation is painless when it’s delivered, but it will become more

painful over time.painful over time.• Treatments will be given up to 5-7 weeks, 5 days a week.Treatments will be given up to 5-7 weeks, 5 days a week.• Treatments only take ½ hour so you can keep your routine.Treatments only take ½ hour so you can keep your routine.• Your hair won’t fall out unless you are also taking chemotherapy.Your hair won’t fall out unless you are also taking chemotherapy.• Your skin in the area may become red and easily irritated.Your skin in the area may become red and easily irritated.• You may feel tired even after its over.You may feel tired even after its over.• Radiation after surgery reduces the chances of the cancer reoccurring.Radiation after surgery reduces the chances of the cancer reoccurring.

• www. Breastcancer.org www. Breastcancer.org

ChemotherapyChemotherapy

• Chemotherapy effects the whole body even if the cancer has Chemotherapy effects the whole body even if the cancer has not spread.not spread.

• Chemotherapy is often administered prior to surgery to reduce Chemotherapy is often administered prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumor to leave clear margins.the size of the tumor to leave clear margins.

• Chemotherapy also reduces your leukocytes (white blood cells Chemotherapy also reduces your leukocytes (white blood cells that is also our immune system), making you more susceptible that is also our immune system), making you more susceptible to every day bugs.to every day bugs.

• The side effects include nausea and, losing all your hair.The side effects include nausea and, losing all your hair.• Its administered through and IV or its also available in pill, and Its administered through and IV or its also available in pill, and

liquid form.liquid form.• As always its your choice and should not be taken lightly.As always its your choice and should not be taken lightly.

HerceptinHerceptin

• Herceptin introduces the cancer to your immune system, Herceptin introduces the cancer to your immune system, taking a more proactive approach to the cancer by attacking taking a more proactive approach to the cancer by attacking the cancer like any other foreign invader in your body.the cancer like any other foreign invader in your body.

• Herceptin is only effective in certain types of cancer.Herceptin is only effective in certain types of cancer.

• Herceptin side effects include, fever, chills, muscle aches, and Herceptin side effects include, fever, chills, muscle aches, and nausea.nausea.

• In rare cases (5%) heart trauma occurs which can lead to In rare cases (5%) heart trauma occurs which can lead to strokes, and even congestive heart failure.strokes, and even congestive heart failure.

TamoxifenTamoxifen• Tamoxifen has been used widely over the past 20 years as an effective Tamoxifen has been used widely over the past 20 years as an effective

tool to help eliminate the cancer.tool to help eliminate the cancer.

• Many cancers love the estrogen, which is already in our body. Many cancers love the estrogen, which is already in our body.

• Tamoxifen, also known as an anti-estrogen, works by blocking the Tamoxifen, also known as an anti-estrogen, works by blocking the estrogen receptors in the cancer preventing it from getting the estrogen receptors in the cancer preventing it from getting the estrogen it feeds on shrinking or eliminating the cancer completely.estrogen it feeds on shrinking or eliminating the cancer completely.

• It has also been given to high risk patients to reduce the likelihood that It has also been given to high risk patients to reduce the likelihood that they will get cancer.they will get cancer.

• Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and even Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and even swelling in your lips.swelling in your lips.

Alternative medicineAlternative medicine

• There are also several alternative medicines that can help to There are also several alternative medicines that can help to reduce or eliminate breast cancer.reduce or eliminate breast cancer.

• Vitamin A, Betacarotine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E all increase Vitamin A, Betacarotine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E all increase the effect of chemotherapy.the effect of chemotherapy.

• CO-Q10 reduces the toxicity of chemotherapyCO-Q10 reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy

• Vitamin D, and Cholecalciferol helps inhibits growth in cancer Vitamin D, and Cholecalciferol helps inhibits growth in cancer cells cells

• Melitonin (which is a natural chemical produced in our brain) Melitonin (which is a natural chemical produced in our brain) blocks the estrogen receptors to the cancerblocks the estrogen receptors to the cancer

Alternative medicineAlternative medicine

• Also Astragalus acts as an anti-viral and enhances the natural Also Astragalus acts as an anti-viral and enhances the natural killer cellskiller cells

• Cur cumin turmeric (is an anti tumor) increases you leukocyte Cur cumin turmeric (is an anti tumor) increases you leukocyte production production

• And Caud’ Arco is a mild herb that acts as an anti tumorAnd Caud’ Arco is a mild herb that acts as an anti tumor

Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and stress relieving Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and stress relieving techniques are also used.techniques are also used.

Treat the whole person not just the illness Treat the whole person not just the illness

Alternative medicinesAlternative medicines

• Perhaps the most amazing of them all is the 5 mushrooms also Perhaps the most amazing of them all is the 5 mushrooms also known as the :known as the :

• ““5 precious mushrooms”5 precious mushrooms”• Coroxlus versicolor also known as cloud fungusCoroxlus versicolor also known as cloud fungus• Ganoderma lucidum also known as reishiGanoderma lucidum also known as reishi• Grifolia frondosus also known as maitkeGrifolia frondosus also known as maitke• Lentinus edodes also known as shiitakeLentinus edodes also known as shiitake• Poria cocos also known as poriaPoria cocos also known as poria

• These are classified as anti tumors, anti cancer, and anti These are classified as anti tumors, anti cancer, and anti growth naturalistic medicines.growth naturalistic medicines.

Alternative medicinesAlternative medicines

• There is also currently a Chinese herbal remedy on the market, There is also currently a Chinese herbal remedy on the market, called “canelim capsules” called “canelim capsules”

• They contain radix curcume, herba agrimonia, and fructus They contain radix curcume, herba agrimonia, and fructus aurantilaurantil

• It works by inhancing the immune system It works by inhancing the immune system • It reduces the tumorIt reduces the tumor• Quickly releases the side effects of radiotherapy and Quickly releases the side effects of radiotherapy and

chemotherapychemotherapy• It can prolong a patients life and enhanse their quality of lifeIt can prolong a patients life and enhanse their quality of life• Enhances blood circulation to reduce painEnhances blood circulation to reduce pain• Helps to strengthen the bodyHelps to strengthen the body

Bone marrow transplantBone marrow transplant• Getting a bone marrow transplant is one of the newest options Getting a bone marrow transplant is one of the newest options

for cancer.for cancer.

• It is used when you receive high doses of radiation and It is used when you receive high doses of radiation and chemotherapy. Because chemotherapy kills all the cells both chemotherapy. Because chemotherapy kills all the cells both good, and bad it replaces what was destroyed by the good, and bad it replaces what was destroyed by the treatments.treatments.

• Bone marrow is donated from another person and then frozen Bone marrow is donated from another person and then frozen and placed in the cancer patients body by injection.and placed in the cancer patients body by injection.

• A word of caution though this is still in the preliminary stages A word of caution though this is still in the preliminary stages of trials & testing for breast cancer.of trials & testing for breast cancer.

NutritionNutrition• Perhaps one of the best ways to Perhaps one of the best ways to

help prevent cancer is an easy help prevent cancer is an easy one but often overlooked.one but often overlooked.

• Diets high in meat, fast foods, Diets high in meat, fast foods, refined carbohydrates, simple refined carbohydrates, simple sugars, low in fruit and veggies sugars, low in fruit and veggies are at high risk of developing are at high risk of developing cancer.cancer.

• Diets need to be well balanced Diets need to be well balanced in that you need to eat your 5 in that you need to eat your 5 servings of fruits and veggies a servings of fruits and veggies a day. Don’t forget the whole day. Don’t forget the whole grain foods as well.grain foods as well.

• Picture from usda.govPicture from usda.gov

NutritionNutrition• Alcohol is associated with increasing the chances of many types of Alcohol is associated with increasing the chances of many types of

cancer, including breast cancer.cancer, including breast cancer.• ““An average alcohol intake of three drinks per day is associated with An average alcohol intake of three drinks per day is associated with

doubling the risk of breast cancer”doubling the risk of breast cancer”• (chapter 16 core concepts in health, Insel)(chapter 16 core concepts in health, Insel)

• One should also avoid smoking because it increases the risk also.One should also avoid smoking because it increases the risk also.

• Fiber is also an interregnal part of our daily diets. Many foods that Fiber is also an interregnal part of our daily diets. Many foods that contain fiber also contain many other vitamins that are considered contain fiber also contain many other vitamins that are considered “potential cancer fighting agents”.“potential cancer fighting agents”.

• Fruits and veggies also contain anti carcinogens, carotenoids, Fruits and veggies also contain anti carcinogens, carotenoids, antioxidants, and free radicals that help protect our DNA.antioxidants, and free radicals that help protect our DNA.

ExerciseExercise

• Another aspect is to maintain a healthy body weight.Another aspect is to maintain a healthy body weight.

• That means to get off the couch an do something, walk the That means to get off the couch an do something, walk the dog, ride a bike or just exercise in you own home.dog, ride a bike or just exercise in you own home.

• If you stay away from fatty foods, (i.e.; fast foods) and eat a If you stay away from fatty foods, (i.e.; fast foods) and eat a well balanced diet. Then you will greatly reduce your chances well balanced diet. Then you will greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.of getting cancer.

• Don’t forget to take care of your self!!Don’t forget to take care of your self!!

ReferencesReferences

• Breast cancer. OrgBreast cancer. Org• Pink ribbon.comPink ribbon.com• Web MD.comWeb MD.com• Yahoo health. ComYahoo health. Com• 4uherb.com4uherb.com• Naturopathic treatment book by Ronald SeretiNaturopathic treatment book by Ronald Sereti• Breast thermograph.comBreast thermograph.com• Nal.usda.govNal.usda.gov• Susan G Komen breast cancer foundationSusan G Komen breast cancer foundation• American Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer Society